Na'Shiyaa Robertson

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At eighteen years old, Na’Shiyaa Robertson might look like your average high school student: active, happy and working hard to balance studies and social life. Beneath the composed exterior however is a highly motivated young woman who is completing the SVCC Nurse Aide program in addition to completing her high school studies at Randolph Henry High School.

Redefining the term ‘multitasking’ SVCC’s dual enrollment program allows Shiyaa to attend nursing classes at the Southside Virginia Community College’s Keysville campus while still in high school. In May, Shiyaa crossed her graduation stage with not only a diploma, but poised to take the state boards to become a Certified Nurses Aide and jumpstart her nursing career.

Shiyaa says she has always felt drawn to the field of nursing, enjoying connecting with and helping others. Shiyaa and her family were deeply affected after losing an uncle to liver disease. Although Shiyaa was very young when her uncle passed, his illness impacted her close knit family profoundly. With multiple aunts already working as RN’s at area hospitals, for Shiyaa, nursing was a natural and fulfilling fit. Once finishing high school, the CNA program and passing her state boards, Shiyaa will follow in the family footsteps to pursue an associate degree in nursing.

“The most incredible part of being a nurse, for me,” says Shiyaa, “is being able to help people do things they’re no longer able to do.”